Ultrasound Probe Positioning via Dynamic View Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasound imaging systems require highly trained sonographers to precisely position the transducer for optimal views, which can be challenging and often results in suboptimal image quality due to the inclusion of irrelevant information from other locations in 3D renderings.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method where the ultrasound scanner scans a patient's volume, searches for an optimal view, and adjusts the field of view to ensure the transducer is positioned approximately, allowing for precise image generation without the need for expert-level manual aiming, using image processing to identify and control the view dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expert sonographers manually position the transducer for optimal views, then image quality is improved, but operator training requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic view identification and transducer positioning guidance without requiring expert operator intervention. The image processor automatically identifies optimal views and determines transducer positioning, allowing less trained operators to achieve expert-level image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning by expert sonographers with an automated computational system that uses image processing and algorithmic control to determine optimal transducer positions and orientations
2Area of stationary object
If 3D volume scanning is performed to include region of interest, then coverage is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to inclusion of irrelevant information
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the relevant optimal view from the scanned volume data. The image processor identifies and extracts the specific view containing the region of interest, displaying only that focused view rather than rendering the entire 3D volume with irrelevant surrounding information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the 3D volume data to isolate and display only the specific slice or view containing the region of interest. This segmentation separates relevant anatomical information from irrelevant surrounding data, improving image quality while maintaining comprehensive coverage capability
3Measurement precision
If transducer is positioned precisely for optimal view, then view accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in physical positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback to the operator about transducer positioning. The image processor analyzes scan data and provides guidance information that feedbacks to the operator, enabling them to adjust transducer position to achieve optimal views without requiring expert-level spatial awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system between the operator and the optimal view acquisition. This intermediary automatically processes the relationship between transducer position and image quality, mediating the complex positioning task and converting it into simpler operator actions
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasound scanner scans a patient. The scan data is checked for an optimal view as a subpart of the scan. Where the field of view does not include the optimal view, the scan is repeated with a different spatial extent. Where the field of view does include the optimal view, then the scan data for that optimal view is used to generate an image. Both the view and the overall or broader scan are controlled together so that a sonographer may place the transducer at an approximate location to still provide a precise view.